The History of Dentistry
Choosing the Right Braces
Regina Carlson
Looking at how your teeth are aligned, it is possible to tell whether you need braces or not. It can be that you have crooked teeth, a crossbite, an overbite, an underbite, overlapping teeth or overcrowded teeth. Here's what you need to know about choosing braces:
Dental Visits and Types of Braces
Even if you have an idea of the kind of braces you want, visiting a dentist (specifically an orthodontist) is the first step. The orthodontist will start by examining you and conducting tests to find out the extent of your teeth crookedness or misalignment. This will help them identify the types of braces that will be most effective for your treatment.
Types of braces include traditional metal, porcelain/ceramic, lingual, and Invisalign braces. Note that there is a possibility that some of these braces might not be suitable for your dental condition. This tells you that the choice for a particular type of braces won't be yours to make in various scenarios. However, if more than one of the braces mentioned above can correct your condition, you might be required to choose one based on several factors; it is important to ask your dentist to recommend the best.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Braces
If your dentist informs you that you qualify for several types of braces, consider the following factors when making your choice:
1. Price: Even though you might have dental insurance, some braces may be expensive to the extent your insurance cover caters to only a small amount, and you have to raise the balance. Find out the terms of your dental insurance and weigh your choices.
2. Metallic Taste: Some braces like traditional metal and lingual options are made from metal. This means you might have the taste of metal in your mouth for quite some time, maybe until you get used to it. If you dislike metallic tastes, these may not be for you.
3. Aesthetics: Some options, like traditional metal braces, may be disliked because of their appearance. If you are usually more aware of your looks, these braces might not be for you. Choose lingual braces; these are placed behind your teeth. You may also choose porcelain/ceramic braces that mimic the colour of your teeth. Invisalign and ClearCorrect braces are colourless, but they are not suitable for people with severe tooth misalignment and crookedness. They only correct minor cases of teeth misalignment or crookedness.
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Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved stories about the past. Whether the stories were about horses, wars, exploration or even dentistry, I loved to hear them. I find that knowing the history of something helps it to make sense and feel approachable. I know that some people have dental anxiety, and I too have suffered, but I also feel like the more you know about dental work and its history, the easier it is. This blog is dedicated to exploring the history of dentistry – What did ancient people use for fillings? How did early dentists numb their patients? Who was the first dentist? Those are just some of the questions I plan to answer here. Ready? Okay, let's dive into the history of dentistry together!